The Centenary of Pediatric Surgery in South Africa (1923-2024) (Historical Vignette)

Abstract

This article narrates the history of pediatric surgery South Africa over 100 years. The first department was established in 1923 at Johannesburg. Professor Jannie Louw, who did pioneering work, is considered the Father of South African Pediatric Surgery. Subsequently, 9 universities started training programs in pediatric surgery. The South African Association of Pediatric Surgeons and the College of Pediatric Surgeons of South Africa were founded in 1976 and 2010 respectively. Gender disparity that prevailed in apartheid era is slowly rectified and now there are more women pediatric surgeons in South Africa than before. The year 2024 is the centenary year of South African Pediatric Surgery.